A bid writing consultant alternative for UK SMEs

The cost comparison, stated plainly

A single mid-sized tender response from a UK bid consultant is commonly quoted at around 1,500 pounds, and complex or framework bids cost more. Consultant rates differ by person and by bid, so get written quotes. 123 Tenders publishes its prices: a subscription that includes Bid Co-Pilot with monthly caps, and Bid Pack as a one-off per notice. See the pricing page for current figures.

What you give up

Being straightforward about it: you do not get a named expert who owns your submission, chases your deadlines, interviews your team or attends a presentation stage. You do the reviewing and the finalising. If that accountability is what you are paying for, a consultant is the right choice.

What you gain

The trade for taking it in house:

• You can bid on smaller contracts where consultancy fees would not pay back
• Your answers accumulate in an Answer Library instead of leaving with a contractor
• A first draft in hours rather than after a scoping call and a scheduling gap
• Match Score and Bid/No-Bid help you avoid spending anything on bids you should decline
• Costs are predictable and published rather than quoted per bid

A sensible hybrid

Draft everything with the software, then buy a few hours of consultant review on the two or three questions carrying the most marks. You get expert input where it counts and pay for a fraction of the time.

Human review still applies

Drafts are a starting point. You are responsible for the accuracy of every claim about your business and for the submission itself. We make no promise about outcomes or savings.